When that casual hook-up turns into long-lasting love

With sex on tap just a right swipe away, it's easy to feel like we're in the midst of a dating apocalypse (cheers for that, Tinder). But all is not lost: research shows that 27% of one-night stands actually lead to successful relationships. And while, yes, alcohol often plays a part, these GLAMOUR readers found that a casual hook-up can turn into much, much more…

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"While travelling, I stayed in a hostel in Australia. One night, I met Sam, who was staying there too. We drank, flirted and ended up in a bunk bed in an empty dorm. I snuck back to my room, but the next day he came to ask if I wanted to hang out. We ended up travelling together, and seven and a half years on, we're married." Mel, 28

"I had just got off a flight and was totally jet-lagged, but my friends insisted on dragging me out for a night on the town. We took the Tube into central London, and I saw a hot guy sitting on his own in our carriage. Buoyed by Dutch courage, I told him he had 'mysterious eyes'. He laughed, we got talking, and he joined us on our night out (then we ended up back at his). The next morning he made me eggs, and we've been inseparable ever since." Sarah, 26

"I met Scott in a club. I was, shall we say, 'accustomed' to one-night stands back then, so after we'd kissed on the dancefloor, I said, 'Are we going back to yours or what?' He called me the wrong name for the whole taxi ride, and back at his, we had to stop mid-act to both throw up. It was awful. Next morning, I left with nothing but an instruction to find him on Facebook. Good job I did. It's our four-year anniversary soon." Aimee, 28

"After I was ghosted by a guy the week before I was due to meet his parents, I decided to cure my heartbreak with some rebound sex. I started swiping and got chatting to a cute, polite guy who suggested drinks the next day. I made it clear what I wanted from the get-go, and he obliged. The bonus: he also happened to be smart, funny and kind. We've now lived together for five years." Laura, 30

"On a uni night out, I saw Jake - the guy I'd had a crush on all term - and finally made a move. We ended up back at my halls and got down to it. The next day, I woke up at 9am, necked some Pro Plus and went to my part-time job, thinking I'd never hear from him again. But the next evening, the intercom buzzed - it was Jake. 13 years on, we're married with a baby." Caroline, 33